€22M investment to help develop new therapies for blindness

Gene editing for more effective treatments

Researchers at Amsterdam UMC, as part of a collaborative effort across the Netherlands, have secured millions to develop new treatments. The Lifelong Vision project, funded by the NWO Gravity program, aims to tackle various causes of vision impairment, from hereditary retinal conditions in young individuals to age-related macular degeneration (an eye disease that can blur central vision) in the elderly.

One key focus of the project is gene therapy, with scientists exploring precise gene editing or CRISPR/Cas technology. These techniques specifically correct the gene defect instead of replacing the entire gene. Unlike traditional gene replacement methods, gene editing allows for targeted repairs of defective genes, offering hope for more effective treatments.

Innovations inspired by nature

In addition to gene therapy, researchers are investigating innovative approaches inspired by nature. By studying the natural regenerative abilities of zebrafish, which can repair their own retinas, scientists hope to unlock new strategies for cell protection and regeneration in humans. This includes the development of bio-printed retinas, a revolutionary technique that layers different cell types to reconstruct damaged tissue.

The Lifelong Vision project involves eight research institutions and showcases Amsterdam UMC's collaborative commitment to healthcare research. Lifelong Vision aims to deliver innovative therapies for vision loss, offering hope for sight restoration and highlighting the program's role in driving new developments in research. 

This funding news follows Amsterdam UMC's other recent project, a consortium focused on the 'brain atlas' of psychiatric symptoms. These joint initiatives exemplify the collaborative spirit within the Amsterdam health sector, fostering an ideal environment to translate research ideas into practical solutions and life-saving technologies.

Learn more about the latest developments at Amsterdam UMC